The Milburn Big Box Set

by Nancy McGovern

  “Now, boys, don’t fight.”

  “The doors were all locked,” Nora said, drawing everyone’s attention. “I checked after we found the body. I think Eugenie might be right. He probably slipped in much earlier.”

  “But then, that means he was here all along? While we were having dinner?” Viola shuddered. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Who was he anyway?” Lucas asked. “Does the news say yet?”

  Eugenie nodded down at her smartphone. “I’ve heard of him before, but I’d never seen him. I spoke to the cops about him. His name was Robert “Bobby” Black. Officially, he owned a ‘dance studio’ on Main Street. Unofficially, he did all sorts of illegal things to supplement his income. He was only in his late twenties and had already spent about half his life in and out of jail. A rotten seed through and through, it looks like.”

  “A dance studio? Hey, wasn’t Ramona learning how to dance?” Jacob asked suddenly. “Maybe she was going to his studio.”

  Lucas was tapping on his phone and he pulled up an article that had already been posted online. “Says here that he was actually a star football player. He went to Wyoming U as a quarterback when he was nineteen. But then he got into drugs and bad company. When he was twenty, he beat up some guy outside a bar in a fight and killed him. Here’s what one of his friends has to say about him: “Bobby Black was an amazing man. He made some bad choices, but he was on the path to recovery. He was convicted of manslaughter after a tragic bar fight about seven years ago. He only got out last year, but he was a changed man. He’d sobered up and began working hard on his lifelong passion to open a dance academy.” Lucas snorted. “Yeah right. He was still knee-deep in crime, clearly. Bet the so-called ‘academy’ was a front for some other shady business.”

  “Pity,” Viola said. “He could have had a good life. But he chose to take another path.”

  “I don’t really care if he didn’t have a good life,” Lucas said. “But why did he have to choose our house to die in? It’sa pain in the—”

  “Lucas!” Viola stared at him.

  “What? I’m not going to sit here and pretend I care about some dirtbag who broke into our house. If he’s dead, I say good riddance. It’s just that he should have chosen to die in some bar instead of our house. You feel the same way, Mom, even if you’re acting all shocked.”

  “I do not,” Viola said. “Whoever he was, the man was human. Have some pity.”

  “How did he die anyway?” Aunt Eugenie asked. “The police were evasive when I asked them.”

  “Fell down the stairs in the dark,” Jacob shrugged. “The police said forensics should tell us whether he had drugs in his system. That would explain a lot.”

  “But Lucas is right, you know,” Aunt Eugenie said. “It is going to be a scandal, and it will be painful dealing with all these reporters. Bobby Black should have found a better place to die.”

  “I can’t believe you two!” Viola switched off the stove and dropped her apron on the floor. “Inhuman. That’s what you are. I’m going up to bed. If the police need me, let them know. Otherwise, I think I need some time alone.”

  “Aw, Mom, we’re just kidding. Dark humor, you know. It’s a coping mechanism. Mom—” Lucas tried to stop her but she shoved past him and stomped up the stairs. In the living room, policemen were still dusting for fingerprints and taking photos and Viola shook her head sadly as she saw the state of her house.

  “I’ll go talk to her,” Nora said, getting up. “And you two, I suggest you keep your dark humor to yourself when she’s around. The poor woman’s had a shock.”

  *****

  Chapter 11

  Viola

  Nora walked up the stairs slowly, wondering what she would say to Viola. Despite her dislike of Grace’s mother-in-law-to-be, Nora couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Nora couldn’t imagine how horrible she’d feel if her house had been invaded this way. Your home is supposed to be your castle, after all. Safe from the world and full of good things. Nora wondered if Viola would want her and Harvey to leave, or to stay on and help her handle the police. Of course, as ex-mayor of Greenfield, Eugenie would handle the police just fine on her own.

  Nora paused at Viola’s door and was about to knock when she heard someone speaking inside.

  “It’s just terrible.” It was Viola.

  “I know, darling, and I’m really sorry you had to go through this. But I told you allowing Lucas to stay here was a bad idea. You should never have let him in the door.”

  “He’s my son, Finley.”

  “Maybe so, but he needs to learn some responsibility. He’s twenty-six and still acts like a little boy with no cares.”

  “It’s complicated…”

  “It is not complicated,” Finley said. “After my brother died, you spoiled Lucas. I mean, I understand why you did it. But it’s time you stopped, Viola. For his sake as much as your own.”

  “Don’t you talk that way!”

  “It’s the truth, and you know it. If you keep enabling him, he’s never going to learn a thing. Do you know how lucky we all are that nobody was harmed? It could have been one of us with our throat slit. It could have been Jacob at the bottom of those stairs- or Kaylee! Or any of us.”

  “Not another word, Finley! I mean it.”

  “Viola, for Kaylee’s sake you have to be tough with Lucas. Don’t you think it’s just the tiniest bit weird that all this happened after Lucas’ party? You saw the kind of people he invited. Total low-lives.”

  “Finley, not another word. Lucas is my son and he needs support right now!”

  Nora heard Finley groan. “Support? Viola, you’re such a confident, able businesswoman, a superb CEO. And yet, when it comes to your sons, you’ve put on rose-colored glasses. Lucas is a grown man.”

  “So are you, Finley.” Viola’s voice was suddenly far harsher.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Finley sounded hurt.

  “Just that…he’s my son and I don’t want to talk about this any more.”

  “No. Go on. You have something you want to say, so say it.”

  “Look, forget it. It’s just been a terrible night and—”

  “No. I’m not leaving here until you tell me what you mean.” Finley sounded aggrieved. “Go on.”

  Viola took a deep breath. “It’s just…you bought that Porsche with company money. You told me you’d pay it back and it’s been six months now...”

  “And you’re comparing that to what Lucas has done?” Finley’s voice was harsh. “Really? Okay. Fine. You want the money, I’ll go right now and get it.”

  “Come on, Finley, dear, that’s not what I meant...”

  “Oh, but it is. You’re saying I’m a freeloader just like Lucas. That’s what you’re saying, isn’t it?”

  “No! I’m saying that…that it’s okay to love and support family. That’s what we do. Finley, sweetheart—”

  “Viola, you’re being a fool. Lucas is mixed up with some bad business, and if you aren’t tough on him now, you’ll regret it. Are you really sure he was in his room last night?”

  “There’s only one way in and out of the attic,” Viola said. “Lucas couldn’t possibly have killed Bobby Black and returned to his room without someone catching him. Nora and Harvey’s room was right next to the attic door and they were out of their room almost immediately when the scream was heard. They didn’t mention a word about the attic door. Plus, when Jacob went to wake up Lucas he was fast asleep.”

  Viola was right, Nora thought. She and Harvey would have noticed if the attic door was open. Lucas was obviously innocent.

  Finley, however, didn’t seem to believe it. “There must be another way out. Perhaps he jumped out the window.”

  “There’s a sheer drop,” Viola said. “Stop accusing my son, Finley, or I’ll start asking some tough questions myself about where you were last night.”

  “What?!” Finley’s voice reverberated with indignation. “How can you, you of all people, doubt me?�
��

  “Nora asked you two simple questions, and you refused to answer them,” Viola said. “Where were you and what did you slip into your pocket when you came back?”

  “That’s it. I don’t need to listen to this stupid nonsense anymore,” Finley said. “You handle your own kids the way you like, Viola. But, mark my words, you’ll regret it. Lucas is surely mixed up in this.”

  The door swung open and Nora nearly fell down as Finley barreled out. He gave her a startled look that immediately turned into a glare.

  “I was just on my way to the room,” Nora said hurriedly, brushing past him.

  “Not so fast!” Finley caught her by the arm. His grip was gentle, but firm. “You were listening, weren’t you?”

  Nora shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, yes, you do. I can see the contempt on your face. Well, let me tell you what I told Viola a month ago. I’m the head of business development at Giso Electronics. As a salesman, I need that car to impress clients. It’s a business investment. I’m not freeloading. I’m putting money in the right places to harvest profits.”

  “Car?” Nora pretended to look baffled.

  “The Porsche that Viola tried to guilt me about.”

  Nora suppressed a grin. After everything that had been discussed, Finley only cared about himself and about people not getting the wrong idea about his Porsche. What was worse, Finley looked like he almost believed himself that the car was a necessary purchase. “Okay,” Nora said, keeping her voice as neutral as possible.

  “I’ll tell you what I’m not doing. I’m not running home to mommy after five years of being MIA and then throwing a loud party right before a family function.” Finley was heated. “So if anyone’s at fault here, it’s him.”

  “I don’t think any of that matters right now,” Nora said, glancing at Viola’s pale face. “A man’s dead, Finley. We just need to stay calm and let the police handle things. Lucas isn’t harming anyone if he stays a few more days.”

  “That’s what you think,” Finley said meaningfully. “I think he could be downright dangerous. I don’t like his behavior one bit.”

  “Speaking of which, you never did tell me what was in your pocket last night. Or what you were doing out so late?” Nora shook her arm, freeing it from his grip.

  “You choose, Viola!” Finley exclaimed. “It’s either me or Lucas. End of story.” And once again leaving Nora’s questions unanswered, he walked away. Viola exhaled and put her hands to her temples, rubbing them in circles.

  “I’m sorry,” Nora said. “This is all so hard on you.”

  “Oh, no. I’m sorry,” Viola said. “Jacob so wanted to impress you and Harvey, and what must you think of us now? First you spend Thanksgiving cleaning up my kitchen, and now there’s a dead body in my house. I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Harvey had second thoughts about the marriage.” Viola bit her lip.

  “We understand, Viola. It’s just a crazy set of circumstances,” Nora said. “Life catches you by surprise sometimes.”

  “Thank you,” Viola said. “I just don’t want you to think we’re always this crazy.”

  “I did pick up some tension between Finley and Lucas,” Nora said. “But other than that you seem like a good, loving family.”

  “Oh, Finley and Lucas...” Viola put a hand over her eyes. “It’s such a pity. Lucas just never understood or accepted it…”

  “Have you and Finley been dating long?”

  “Dating?!” Viola shrank back. “Oh, no, no, no. You have the wrong impression. Finley’s just a dear friend, that’s all. I’m not dating him. Of course not. He’s my husband’s brother. Plus, he works under me at Giso. Of course not! I couldn’t date him.”

  “Alright,” Nora said. “It’s just that, I know it’s been many years since your husband passed away, and you and Finley seemed close...”

  “Well, Finley has no other family now. So naturally he and I… we lean on each other. He really stepped up when my husband passed away.”

  “Did Lucas always clash with him?”

  “Well, when my husband, William, was around, Lucas and Finley got on really well together. But when William died, Lucas changed. He’s always been a very sensitive boy. You’re a mother, you know that some children need to be protected more than others. My Jacob was tough right from the start, even if he was quieter and less social. But Lucas was always moody and…deep.”

  “He mentioned he’s moving back here from Seattle,” Nora said. “He also mentioned that he hasn’t been home for five years, is that right?”

  Viola nodded. “He used to work at Giso with me. That’s when he and Finley really clashed. They were both in sales and had different ideas on how to market the company. Lucas took it as a personal betrayal whenever I told him I was going with one of Finley’s ideas. Then, three years ago, my Annie died…and Lucas said he just couldn’t bear to come back. He and Annie were very close. In fact, they used to throw parties together all the time. Jacob was never like them. He was always out playing basketball with his friends or holed up in his room reading. But Lucas? Oh, Lucas and Annie were almost like twins. I’m really happy he’s finally moved back home. I knew he couldn’t stay far away forever.”

  “But Finley’s not too happy about it,” Nora said.

  “Finley thinks I’m coddling Lucas. I know I’m a bit soft on him, but he’s a good boy, really. He’s just been through so much.” Viola sighed. “I guess it’ll just take some time for him and Finley to adjust to each other.”

  Wisely, Nora refrained from giving advice. “I hope they do,” she said instead.

  “Viola dear?” Eugenie came up the stairs, a cup of coffee in her hands. “Chief Andrews said he wants to talk to you. Would you go to him?”

  “Sure. Excuse me, Nora,” Viola said.

  Eugenie watched her walk away, shaking her head. “This is terrible. All of it.”

  “Yes,” Nora agreed. “Everyone’s still in shock from finding the body.”

  “Oh, not that!” Eugenie exclaimed. “The rumors are starting. That’s what’s terrible. I know this town. They’re a vicious pack here, and the Giordano family hasn’t always made them happy.”

  “Rumors?” Nora raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “The same rumors that spread when William died,” Eugenie said. “The townsfolk think Viola killed him.”

  *****

  Chapter 12

  Murder With A Maybe

  Nora gaped at Eugenie. The news that Viola, of all people, should be a suspect in this death came as a huge shock to her. “Murder?” she asked. “This was an accident, surely. Bobby’s own fault. Why would you suspect otherwise? And, if it was murder, how could Viola possibly be wrapped up in it?”

  “Bobby Black was a criminal, plain and simple. He dabbled in all sorts of illegal trade. But his real specialty was blackmail.” Eugenie’s lips were pressed together. “There wasn’t a secret he couldn’t ferret out.”

  “How do you know that?” Nora asked.

  Eugenie gave her a look. “I was mayor of Greenfield for ten years, Nora. There isn’t much that goes on in town that I don’t know.”

  “But—”

  “Look, let’s just say that Giso has a lot of enemies here, a lot of people who would love to take Viola down. Of course, they’re going to spread unsavory rumors right now. Christmas has come early for these folks.” Eugenie sighed. “I’m just worried about my sister. That’s where you come in.”

  “Me?” Nora stared at Eugenie.

  “Yes, you.” Eugenie said. “Look, I know it’s a really big favor to ask, but could you stay on here for a few more days? Just till things get sorted. I’ve heard of your reputation, how you’ve helped solve a lot of cases in Milburn.”

  “That was just—”

  “Don’t be modest. I’ve met Milburn’s ex-sheriff more than once. He would always rave about you,” Eugenie said. “Nora, I don’t want to hire a lawyer or a PI right now.
The optics just wouldn’t look good. People would be more convinced that Viola has something to hide. And, honestly, I don’t know if she does. What I’d love is just…for you to ask some questions. Just in case this wasn’t an accident.”

  “What do you mean?” Nora frowned.

  “I mean...” Eugenie hesitated. “I don’t want to name names or plant ideas in your head. Let’s just say that Bobby Black was unsavory, but that he was in this house for a reason. I’d like to know that reason before the police find out. And I’d be eternally grateful if you helped me find out. My sister’s reputation is at stake, and if Grace and Jacob ever decide to move here, then by extension, their reputation is at stake, too.”

  Nora gave Eugenie a level look. “That sounds too close to a threat for my comfort,” she said.

  “It’s not! It’s really not. I care for my nephew and I think Grace is a fine young woman. Honestly,” Eugenie said. “Come on, Nora. Do I have to beg? Please? I’ve had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach all day. Something bad is going to happen. I know it.”

  “Let’s say that I did decide to stay on,” Nora said. “Maybe until Monday...”

  “Excellent!”

  “Would you tell me everything you know about the family history?” Nora asked. “These rumors about Jacob’s father being murdered, for instance.”

  “It’s nearly been a decade now,” Eugenie said. “But people love to talk about it.”

  “What happened?”

  “It’s just one of those horrible incidents that you never think can happen to you,” Eugenie said. “William and Viola went back country hiking in Yellowstone. They’d camp out for a week, then return home feeling refreshed. They did this every year for twenty years with no problems. But this time… tragedy struck.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “They got chased by a bear,” Eugenie said. “They both scattered in opposite directions so that the bear would only get one of them. Viola says it was instinctive. She says by the time she stopped running, she had lost track of where she was. With great difficulty, she managed to trace her way back to the campsite… but William had vanished.”